A Tiki Treasure
Today, we’re diving into the origins of the legendary Mai Tai, a drink that’s as vibrant and exciting as a sunset over the Pacific. Invented by the tiki pioneer Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron in 1944, this cocktail quickly became a symbol of Polynesian pop culture.
Fun fact: “Mai Tai” translates to “good” or “out of this world” in Tahitian, a fitting description for a concoction that’s essentially a stage for great rum to shine. We blend white rum, bringing light and fruity notes, with aged rum, offering hints of banana, vanilla, and burnt sugar for a richer mouthfeel.
Mai Tai Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1/2 oz orange curaçao
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- Mint sprig and lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice and add the light rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, orgeat syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
- Raise your glass, say “Mai Tai Roa Ae!” (meaning “Out of this world!”), and enjoy the tropical escape with every sip.
Cheers to the timeless allure of the Mai Tai!
The Rumosphere 